Warm generosity of Somerset's over-60s (From Burnham and Highbridge Weekly News)

Warm generosity of Somerset's over-60s

7:00am Sunday 6th January 2013 in News

HUNDREDS of people aged over 60 in Somerset have given up part or all of their Government winter fuel payment to help the vulnerable keep warm.

Already, £50,000 collected under Somerset Community Foundation’s Surviving Winter campaign over the past four weeks has been distributed, but more is needed to meet demand.

With the aid of a contribution from Somerset County Council, emergency funds have been given to around 200 households affected by the recent floods.

The Surviving Winter campaign helps to contribute towards older and vulnerable people’s heating bills and funding essential services run by local charities.

The latest appeal comes after Saga, the company which focuses on the needs of the over-50s, revealed the following facts:

• 58% of older people worry about the cost of heating in winter;
• 35% are already struggling to pay their heating bills;
• 25% have had to cut their spending to afford their heating;
• 11% stop using parts of their house;
• 7% stay in bed longer to keep fuel bills down.

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